Warcraft: When NPCs Have Player Panels

Chapter 38 Betting on a Future

Vicara listened to William's words with a faint smile on her lips. After hearing the whole story, she gently shook her head.

"Sergeant William, you're making a promise that's too big for your ego."

She leaned back slightly, her back pressed against the chair back, her posture still languid and casual, but her eyes were exceptionally clear, showing no sign of being swayed by empty promises.

"Lord'dareon's new intelligence system extends outwards from my guild. Such words are completely unreliable when spoken by those in power, let alone by an ordinary person like you with no authority."

"In Lordaeron today, promises are the cheapest thing. The pie looks delicious, but how many people actually get to eat it? I've lived for over 130 years, and I've seen many people's dreams come true, and I've also seen countless promises fall flat."

Vikara's words are very realistic: in this world, you don't necessarily get a return just because you put in a lot of effort.

Underground forces operate in the shadows, surviving on the principle of profit above all else, and would never gamble their entire fortune on a vague future.

William was fully aware of this, but he didn't need to explain; he just needed to tell the truth.

He sat up straight, his expression calm, and said frankly, "I'm not lying to you, and there's no need for me to fool you with empty words. With my current position and authority, I have no right to make any decisions or make any related decisions."

"I am just an investigator dispatched from abroad. I have no authority whatsoever, let alone the authority to set new rules for the kingdom."

These words were so frank that Karen, who had been listening quietly, looked up slightly and stared at the Kingdom soldier opposite her with some surprise.

In the past, which of the nobles from the kingdoms I had encountered wasn't full of empty boasts and reckless promises? This young man, however, did the opposite, actively revealing his shortcomings.

It's extremely rare, but saying that makes it seem more true?

William continued, this time with a stronger tone: "But I am the eyes of Commander Durand."

"I personally compiled and submitted the entire investigation report on the Silverpine Forest. My report will directly influence the Commander's judgment and determine all subsequent reconstruction plans."

"I can't guarantee success, but I can assure you I will do everything in my power to make it happen. As long as you cooperate fully with my investigation, I will secure the most favorable position for the Ambermill Thieves Guild in my report."

"Believe it or not, the choice is yours. If you are unwilling to gamble, I will not force you. I will continue to search for other forces willing to cooperate with me to complete my mission."

At this point, there was no room for negotiation.

William laid all his cards on the table, presenting Vikara with all the pros and cons.

The spacious underground hall fell into a brief silence, with only the faint light from the fluorescent crystals overhead slowly illuminating the space.

Vicara stared silently into William's eyes for a long time.

There are many people with ulterior motives who flatter themselves to the best of their ability in order to get something from her. I have also seen too many hypocritical and cunning powerful people who use all sorts of sweet talk to lure me into their bed.

No one could escape her scrutiny, but the young sergeant in front of her had such clean eyes that Vikara wanted to avoid them.

A moment later, Vicara suddenly turned his head and looked at Elena, who was standing behind William with her body tense.

The girl noticed the gaze directed at her, breathed a sigh of relief, and gave Vikala a smile.

Looking at her like this, Vicara spoke softly with a gentle smile: "You were brought into the guild by Elena, and she's willing to follow you. I'm willing to believe you halfway."

"This girl may seem carefree and prone to deception, but she's actually quite perceptive. She has a pure heart and would never associate with rotten people, much less waste her time on those who aren't worth it."

Upon hearing this, Elena looked up abruptly, her eyes filled with astonishment.

She thought that in the eyes of the guild members, she was just a lazy, cunning little swindler who made a living by deception. She never imagined that the leader of Vikara would give her such a high evaluation.

William seized the opportunity and pressed on, "So, Ms. Vicara, what's your answer? Are you willing to cooperate with me on this?"

Vicara withdrew his gaze from Elena and looked back at William, his expression returning to its previous calm.

"The guild is not my personal property; it is the foundation upon which all the old comrades who stayed behind make their living."

"I can't make this decision alone, nor can I gamble everyone's future like this."

She turned her head to look at Karen, who was sitting silently to the side, and said in a flat tone, "Karen is my apprentice and the next successor of the guild. Major decisions of the guild need to be discussed internally before we can give you a final answer."

Karen nodded slightly upon hearing this, her expression solemn, without the slightest objection.

William expressed his understanding, nodding slowly: "That's how it should be."

"I will stay in Ambermill for a while and await your reply."

The serious business has now been settled for the time being.

The tense atmosphere in the hall gradually relaxed.

William paused for two seconds, considered his words carefully, and then spoke again in a sincere tone: "Ms. Vicara, I have another personal request, and I hope you can grant it."

"Oh? A private request?"

Vicara raised an eyebrow slightly, leaned forward a little, and looked at him with a playful, amused expression, saying, "Tell me about it."

William didn't mince words, stating directly, "I hope you can take Elena in and personally teach her how to manipulate shadow power."

"To truly guide her onto the path of the extraordinary and make her a qualified stalker."

Upon hearing this, Elena, who was standing behind, froze on the spot.

She suddenly opened her eyes wide, her face filled with disbelief, staring blankly at William, then quickly turning her head to look at Vicara in the seat, her mouth slightly open, unable to utter a word for a long time.

Surprise, astonishment, and being caught off guard—a mix of emotions left her completely bewildered.

Having spent three years in Ambermill, she knew the guild's rules best and was also intimately familiar with Vikara's abilities. This master of shadows never easily accepted apprentices, much less casually imparted core shadow manipulation techniques.

William ignored her astonishment and continued, "My senses are far beyond those of ordinary people. I clearly sensed it when we were confronting each other just now."

"Ailene possesses exceptional talent in shadow magic, but without a mentor, she remains stuck at the threshold despite her talent, wasting her superb aptitude."

"Perfect timing, since you, a master of shadows, are here. Please take her as your apprentice and teach her the abilities of shadows."

Vicara stared intently at William, the amusement in his eyes gradually fading, replaced by astonishment.

She clasped her hands together, leaned forward again, and fixed her gaze on William, a hint of surprise in her eyes: "It's rare to find a soldier in the army with such keen perception."

"I knew your senses were extraordinary when you were able to pinpoint my location so accurately while I was completely hidden. Now it seems that it was indeed true."

Speaking of Elena, she glanced at the still dazed girl beside her, her tone tinged with helplessness and regret: "You're quite thoughtful. I saw this child's talent three years ago."

"In my eyes, she is like a black hole, constantly attracting the gaze of shadows. I have long considered nurturing her myself."

"It's a pity that this kid's mind isn't on the guild at all. He only wants to leave Ambermill and make his way in the big city, and he absolutely refuses to settle down and learn some real skills."

These words completely stunned Elena.

She stood there stunned, taking several seconds to react. Her eyes lit up instantly, and she quickly moved behind Vikara, expertly massaging her shoulders. Her voice was full of surprise: "Big Sister! You mean it? You've been wanting to teach me for a while now?"

For the past three years, she had always thought of herself as a marginal figure in the guild, just going through the motions, but it seemed that she had already been secretly noticed by the guild leader.

A huge surprise hit her, making her heart burn with excitement and her eyes filled with hope.

But this joy lasted only a few seconds. As if she suddenly remembered something, the light on her face instantly dimmed.

The elf's ears, which had been standing tall, drooped down visibly, and the whole person instantly became much more listless.

Her hands continued massaging her shoulders, but her tone was full of frustration and helplessness: "But... Boss, learning the guild's core skills requires paying tuition, right?"

"I have no money."

This has always been the rule of the guild: core skills, shadow control, stealth techniques, weapon usage skills, etc., are never taught for free.

Want to learn? You can pay the full tuition upfront, or you can choose to study only one subject. This has been the rule for many years, and no one can make an exception.

Her family had long since disappeared, and the money she had earned during her years of homelessness was barely enough to make ends meet. She couldn't save any money at all, let alone afford these expenses.

Seeing the girl's joy turn into dejection in an instant, Vikara smiled slightly.

Just then, William's voice rang out, immediately dispelling all of Elaine's concerns.

"She is my assistant."

I'll pay for her tuition.